Madrid’s Mourinho shrugs off Rodri miss after his move to Barcelona: ‘I don’t need Rodri’

MADRID (AP) — Real Madrid head coach José Mourinho expressed confidence that the club will thrive without Rodri, despite acknowledging the offer to sign the Spain captain. Rodri made a move from Manchester City to Barcelona following his release from the latter. Mourinho, who returned to Madrid for his second stint, disclosed that he had conversed with Rodri on two occasions during the club's deliberations to bring the World Cup's top player into their squad.

However, Rodri reportedly harbored doubts about his future, which in turn created uncertainty for Mourinho. Despite acknowledging Rodri's exceptional abilities, Mourinho emphasized that Real Madrid cannot tolerate players who hesitate regarding their commitment to the club. Shortly before the official announcement of Rodri's transfer to Barcelona, Mourinho was introduced to the team in an exclusive event away from the public and fans.

Mourinho, appointed in June and assuming his duties in July, dismissed the significance of Rodri for Madrid. "I don't need Rodri. We have solutions, quality players," he stated, adding that he didn’t believe Barcelona outsmarted Madrid by signing the midfielder. "Victories are won on the field, they are won with titles." With two consecutive seasons lacking a major title, Madrid has bolstered its squad with players like Marc Cucurella, Ibrahima Konaté, Denzel Dumfries, Bernardo Silva, and Yan Diomande. Mourinho explicitly stated that the club does not plan to sign any additional players.